Herbal therapies are becoming more popular as alternative treatments for various ailments including colds, nausea, constipation, insomnia and depression.  While some herbs have shown promise, the lack of long-term studies regarding their overall health benefits leaves a lot to the unknown. This includes how these herbs are excreted by the body. This becomes even more of a concern in the renal patient population since we are unsure how impaired kidney function, renal therapies and various medications can impact their effectiveness and safety.
 
There are no guarantees or minimal federal regulations to ensure the purity or potency in the products you purchase are consistent, let alone safe. It is a "buyer beware" market.  Always talk with your doctor and dietitian before starting any new products.  Remember if it sounds too good to be true...it probably is.

This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of AAKP Diet Tips & Bits.